Is the classic shaker kitchen still the nation’s favourite, or are customers beginning to look beyond this enduring design? Long admired for its simplicity, versatility and timeless appeal, the shaker door has dominated British kitchens for decades – but bolder design choices and growing interest in contemporary finishes are starting to reshape the market.
Head of Life Trade, Paul Berryman, discusses this classic style and explores how today’s preferences are changing and what this means for the future of the Shaker:
WHY ARE SHAKER KITCHENS SO POPULAR?
“A Shaker style strikes the perfect balance between everyday practicality and timeless design. Shaker doors are extremely adaptable when it comes to finishes and colours, so whether a customer wants a soft pastel kitchen, a bold contemporary colour or a more natural woodgrain look, Shaker doors provide a flexible foundation that can be tailored to almost any taste. In addition, the design is robust, easy to maintain and suits a wide range of budgets.”
WHAT IS YOUR MOST POPULAR SHAKER LOOK?
“Our most popular Shaker ranges span from the Belsay door – available in smooth, woodgrain, and beaded finishes – to the timeless Mornington range, offered in 35 vibrant colours, along with shaker, beaded, and the new false in-frame Vale option. The recent addition of our Oak finish in the Mornington Shaker and Mornington Vale collections provides even greater versatility, catering to customers seeking both traditional shaker kitchens and more modern, industrial-inspired designs. This diversity ensures we can meet the evolving preferences of our customers, making Shaker style adaptable to a variety of consumer tastes.”
HOW DO SHAKER KITCHENS FIT WITH MORE CONTEMPORARY HOMES?
“We are observing a growing trend where both our customers and our own design teams are creatively integrating fluted and even slab doors into modern interpretations of Shaker design. Ranges such as our Crathorne and Hunton demonstrate this versatility, seamlessly fitting into traditional Shaker aesthetics, contemporary handle-less styles, or more industrial looks. When combined with fluted doors, concrete-style worktops, and black hardware, these designs offer a fresh, innovative approach that expands the creative possibilities of the classic Shaker ethos.”
HOW HAS THE CLASSIC SHAKER KITCHEN DEVELOPED & CHANGED?
“We have seen notable shifts in Shaker styling, particularly in frame widths and detailing over the past few years. There has been a trend toward reducing frame sizes, reflecting a more contemporary aesthetic. For example, our most popular Shaker door from a few years ago, Milbourne, featured a 115mm frame, but its more modern successor, Belsay, now offers a slimmer 94mm frame. Similarly, the Hunton range with its 75mm frame represents a streamlined, smooth painted evolution of the Fitzroy door, which has a 110mm frame.”
WHAT DO YOU SEE FOR THE FUTURE OF SHAKER STYLE?
“Looking at the industry, we are seeing a move towards even slimmer profiles, with designs such as skinny or micro-Shaker designs, as well as the return of the traditional Tea Tray style. These shifts highlight the ongoing evolution of Shaker-inspired cabinetry, blending timeless appeal with modern minimalism.”
